Donate to Theresa's Journey to Becoming a Chef

Hi Everyone, Theresa here!

As some of you may or may not know, as of April 2024 I have been accepted to The Culinary Institute of America in Napa, California!!

Some of you may be thinking, "where did this come from?" Let me share the story of how life led me to this point.

Back in 2018, after graduating ministry school I did not know what life had in store for me next. There were many many question marks surrounding me, and as God led I continued to take one step in front of the other. While taking these steps, I felt this strong desire in my heart that one day I will be moving to California. I did not know how, or when I would get there, but I knew deep down that God was calling me there. I remember sitting in training for a customer service job that I was starting at the time, and there was a lady in the class that came from California. I began to ask her so many questions about the State and any advice that she had for me as someone that desired to one day live there. She was very kind, and you know what, she stopped training and moved right back to California. I like to think that God placed her there just to confirm the desire that He placed inside of me.

Fast forward to 2021, the year that God led me out of my job. I had no idea what was ahead in life after this decision but I knew that God was leading me and that I had to be obedient. Boy I am GLAD that He didn't show me what life would look like after making that decision, because I would've been too scared to take that leap of faith. Despite the challenges that I have faced, I have also faced some very memorable and beautiful moments, "kisses from Heaven," I like to call it. I have grown in more ways than I could have ever imagined and I have not only gotten to discover myself more and the things that God has placed inside of me, but I have also gotten the chance to know God more in a deeper way. Despite the challenges, life has been beautiful. Now I see why we should count it ALL Joy when we fall into various trials. For the testing of our faith really does produce patience in us and when the work of patience is perfected, we truly are perfect and complete lacking nothing. I am thankful for this truth!

So now that I have dropped a mini sermon on ya (I'm sorry I can't help it lol), I want to share with you all how I decided to apply for culinary arts school in the first place. You may be thinking "why did she share all of this back story?" Trust me, the back story ties into the full story, I promise. So...while God had me in this place of unemployment, for lack of a better word lol. I was on a journey of healing, growth, and greater self discovery. While on this journey, I discovered that...I really love to cook. I love everything about it. I love the flavoring, the prepping, the plating, and most of all the serving. I love to see people enjoy the creations that I believe God and I create in the kitchen. The kitchen quickly became a place of peace for me, a place where I could be creative and partner with God in creating new, fun, and healthy (do not forget healthy lol) dishes.

One day, while preparing food, I heard God say to me "Culinary Arts, I want you to look up Culinary Arts Schools." I paused for a moment and said "okay." I looked at a few institutions and nothing was really standing out. I even saw The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) but I thought to myself, "that's too far." I spoke to a couple family members and was encouraged to continue looking and overtime God began to nudge me more and more towards CIA. So one day, I decided to call CIA and speak to an admissions counselor. He provided me all of the information that I needed and encouraged me to apply, for free. So I thought to myself, "well it's a free application, it doesn't hurt to apply." That is what I did, I applied. I sent over all of the documentation that was needed. They even needed a letter of recommendation and thanks to my lovely Bodybuilding coach, that was completed. I applied on a Wednesday and by Friday everything was submitted. By the following Monday, I received the call that...I WAS ACCEPTED!! I was over the moon excited and shocked at the same time. I realized in that moment that, "wow God, this is where you're really leading me. Now is the time for me to actually move to California." There were a mix of emotions. But as I shared the news with my close family and friends, I felt more and more peace, knowing that this is the direction that God is in fact leading me in. What I have dreamt of (moving to California) for all of these years, is now coming to fruition. The thought was scary...I have never been so far away from family before. But I know that now is my time to spread my wings and step into all that God has for me in this new land of opportunities.

Now, as some of you can imagine, moving across the country and going to this specific school is not very cheap. So, I am creating this gofundme to give all of my friends and family the opportunity to donate whatever you feel led to donate to my dream of becoming a Chef. If you are unable to donate monetarily, I fully understand. Your prayers alone hold more value and are deeply appreciated. I know that God will provide however He sees fit to do so.

Thank you to every single person that has walked with me through this journey! Thank you all for your continued support, whether that be in financial assistance, prayers, encouragement, or just a listening ear. None of these things go unnoticed, not by me or God. I love each of you so much!

May God bless each of you immensely!!!

Love,

Theresa <3

****If anyone would prefer to donate via CashApp or Venmo, my info will be below.

CashApp: $Theresa15

Venmo: @TheresaT15_